Have you seen pictures of marathon runners? CONCENTRATION and DETERMINATION seem to ooze from every pore. These people set their hearts and minds on one thing – finish the race. They focus on the next step, the next checkpoint, until the race is complete.
They shed pounds, unnecessary clothing or anything else that might slow them down. Attach their official number and they are ready to run.
Marathon runners not only shed anything that might slow them down, they also dress carefully. They choose the best running shoes and the most comfortable shorts and shirt possible.
We are to live like marathon runners. We are to take off anything that slows us down and set our hearts and minds on the finish line.
- THE NIV QUIET TIME BIBLE (Pg 1466 & 1467)
Something to share …..
When we have acquired the positive attitude and the correct mindset of a marathon runner, then there will not be any excuses that a work is half done or half undone. A work half done or half undone is no better than a work not done. The result is the same at the end of the day. You have not delivered! Can any excuses given can reverse the situation and make the work done? Obviously, the answer is “No”. After all, a work not done is not done, irrespective of any excuses given.
DETERMINATION is the main key to get work done. Once you are determined to get work done, you will find ways and means to complete it at the end of the day. Any obstacles along the way will not stop you from accomplishment because you are so focused and concentrated on the job that you have probably made up your mind not only to get it done, but you also want to do the best out of it. Once you have made up your mind, you have already pictured yourself on the finish line.
Many have been touched by the real story of a marathon runner finishing the race in the last place 40 years ago. John Steven Akhwari was from Tanzania. He participated in the Mexico City Olympics in 1968. Unluckily, he fell badly during the race and he was bruised with blood on his injured leg. It seemed that he was the only runner left on the track as he entered the stadium that evening. It was reported that, just about an hour ago, the winner of the marathon race had been declared over the official announcement.
Apparently, John Steven Akhwari, being a DISCIPLINED marathon runner full of DEDICATION and DETERMINATION, did not give up with a bandaged leg but pressed on as he hobbled in pain to reach the finish line. The remaining crowd of spectators roared out their appreciation with cheer and applauds just as he crossed the finish line. For the very first time, an athlete finished in the last place was given a standing ovation! Obviously, this act of PERSISTENCE, PERSEVERANCE and DETERMINATION had won him the due respect from all over the world.
When asked why he continued running, he simply answered, "My country did not send me 7,000 miles to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me here to finish it.” His words had indeed inspired many people and motivated them.
10 comments:
I do agree with you. Any half done work is equilvalent to work not done. Persistence, preseverance & determination is obviously important & should be our life principle. Because only with these 3 priciple, can we be a better & more successful person. If you dont have these 3, you will end up like NATO, no action talk only.
Very correct. In IOI, I started the race and now, and in another 7.5 months, I will reach the finishing line.
What I see about the story is … We do not have to think something about tomorrow. Just do the best that you could today. Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
The second lesson that I get is … Life is gift from God, so why should we prosecute too much ? why we could not thanks to God for the gift ?
Thank you. I should say, you are a much better runner and a real marathon runner.
Yes, indeed I'm still fit on the race.
Ya still fit in the race.I shall contribute what ever i can for the race.
Inspirable material indeed for motivation session.
I rather not think of our working life as a race, but as a journey. Yes, for us, retirement from the present job may be around the corner.
But heh ! After completing an interesting journey, we don’t have to hibernate at home. We can still take other journeys and taking strolls through garden parks.
Still in the race, trying to finish what I started and enjoying it!
I can't agree with u more!
Life is indeed is a series of many races. Sometimes, things are not within our control as we are only human being and temperal.
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